Submission of New Records 



This section explains how to submit records to the database, the information required for all 

 observations, and an explanation of the extra information needed for Rare Birds or species for which 

 more information is needed (TES and SI, and subspecies of interest). 



When, How, and Where to Submit Records 



The recording of bird sightings in Montana is an ongoing process. For this effort to succeed, all 

 species, both common and rare, must be recorded for each quarter-latilong during each revision period. 

 See below for submitting observations of rare species. 



If several birding trips are made within a single QLL, observations from each trip should be 

 summarized into a single master species list for that QLL and submitted once per year. For each species 

 recorded, please submit the highest status observed ("B" higher than "b" higher than "t" and "W" 

 higher than "w") and the date associated with the observation. 



There are two ways to submit records: 



Online: 



The preferred way for records to be submitted is through the Montana Bird Distribution 

 website. Observers may log onto the website < http://nhp.nris. state. mt.us/mbd/ > and submit 

 bird observations at any rime. The information requested for sightings entered on the internet 

 is similar to that found on the QLL Report Form found in Appendix H. 



By mail: 



For those observers without access to the internet, or for those who would rather submit 

 records by mail, the QLL Report Form found in Appendix H, or a similar format, may be 

 copied, filled in, and mailed to: 



Montana Bird Distribution 

 Montana Audubon 

 P.O. Box 595 

 Helena, Montana 59624 



This book summarizes the tens of thousands of individual bird-observation records contained in the 

 database. Verif>dng the quality of records, whether collected by professionals or volunteers, is an important 

 step taken to ensure that only the highest quality information is accepted. Therefore, rare bird records are 

 screened by the Montana Bird Records Committee; all other distribution records are reviewed by Montana 

 Audubon and Montana Natural Heritage Program staff. 



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